Jim Atchison, 45

Jim Atchison
The job: Senior staff accountant
The employer: Lockton Companies Inc. is an independent, privately owned insurance brokerage firm based in Kansas City. The company has about 4,000 associates in 46 offices worldwide.
My role: I do a variety of tasks within the financial reporting department in accounting. I am the accounting liaison for the legal department, reconciling legal expenses and liabilities. I work with my team to produce the quarterly board of directors reports, balance sheet reconciliations, census surveys, and accounting for the jet and auto fleet.
How long have you been in this position?
Since January 2008.
How did you find your job?
I went online to Lockton’s Web site and noticed there was a position for which I felt well qualified for. I knew that my son’s soccer coach worked in another part of accounting here and, since I thought Lockton might offer employees referral bonuses, I called him. I e-mailed him my resume, executive summary and job description. He turned it in, and I got a call fairly quickly from a human resources representative, who did a brief screening interview. I also completed online testing. Next I had an interview with both my present supervisor, assistant controller, and her manager, vice president/controller. I called the human resources person I had worked with after the interview and she said it would be a couple of weeks before they would make a decision. So I called again in two weeks, staying persistent and making sure she knew how very interested I was in the job. I was offered the job soon after that.
What helped the most in the job search?
Applying to companies where I had a contact. Also, thank-you letters, persistence and patience. It can make a real difference if you make sure the company knows of your interest and you follow up in a timely manner.
Did you reach a low point in this process?
Yes, once I got depressed and vented to a friend. He encouraged me and reminded me that if God cares for the birds in the air, that he could take care of me and my family.
What is your best advice for others in the job search?
Attend as many job clubs as you can fit into your schedule. I attended the ones at Johnson County Community College, Church of the Nativity and Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Also, be aware of where your friends and acquaintances work.
What is your educational experience?
I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Kansas State University (December 1985) and an MBA from Avila University (May 1995). I have had my certified public accountant license since 2002.
How does this job fit into your long-term career plans?
I would like to gain additional experience within the accounting department so I might move into a supervisory role eventually.
| Sue Dye Babson, special to The Star